Check the boat for National Safe Boating Week

As summer approaches, the lake area will soon fill up with residents and visitors alike who share a similar goal: to get out on the water. As boaters prepare for a season on the lake, they need to remember to keep safety in the forefront of their mind.

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The Lake News Online

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Posted May. 18, 2014 at 12:52 PM

Posted May. 18, 2014 at 12:52 PM

Lake area

In addition to your life jacket, remember these...

1) Don’t drink alcohol while you're boating.2) Know Missouri’s boating laws before you get onto the water.3) Check the weather. Know the forecast prior to going out, and ...

4) Make sure you can keep in touch. In an emergency situation, cell phones and having a good float plan, which includes someone on shore knowing when you are leaving and when you should return, is important.

As summer approaches, the lake area will soon fill up with residents and visitors alike who share a similar goal: to get out on the water. As boaters prepare for a season on the lake, they need to remember to keep safety in the forefront of their mind.

May 17 through 23 is National Safe Boating Week and falls conveniently before the bustling Memorial Day weekend.

"The majority of boaters most likely have not had their boats in the water yet this year. Thus, boaters are encouraged to inspect their vessel to make sure all equipment is in good, serviceable condition. One great way to ensure all your boat’s equipment is in good working order is to have a courtesy equipment inspection performed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. Troopers will perform a courtesy inspection on the water if you wave them over and request one," the Missouri State Highway Patrol said in an official press release.

The release also stated that nationwide, approximately 500 people drown each year from recreational boating crashes. Of those crashes, almost 88 percent were not wearing a life jacket.

“Boating crashes occur too quickly for you to reach for a life jacket,” said Colonel Ron Replogle. “Missouri experienced 97 boating crashes in 2013, in which 87 people were injured and 17 people were killed. Please pay attention when enjoying Missouri’s waters, and make sure you have a life jacket for each person in your boat. Take time to choose a life jacket that fits properly and is approved for your activity and body weight.”

In order to kick off National Boating Safety Week, The Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Council joined forces with the Lake Sun to host “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day” on Friday, May 16.

“The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like the 2014 boating season to be fun for everyone,” said Col. Replogle.

Boaters are reminded to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol using *55 if they need assistance, or observe another boater operating a vessel in an unsafe manner.

For more information about the Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Council, visit their website, www.safelake.org.